No parent should have to battle the State for education
Labour education spokesperson Eoghan Kenny TD has slammed the Government for failing to provide adequate school places for children in special schools.
As parents protest outside the Department of Education today, Kenny said it should never have to come to this. Deputy Kenny said:
“I fully support the parents’ protest in Dublin today, but it is disgraceful that it has come to this.
“The very minimum a parent of a child with additional needs should be guaranteed is a place in school – preferably a school that suits their needs. Yet this year we understand that at least 118 students who have additional needs are understood not to have received an offer of a school place anywhere.
“It is truly unbelievable to think that in 2025, parents are still forced into constant battle with the State for the right of their child to receive an education.
“Every child deserves equal access to support and services, and it is the Government’s responsibility to make this a reality. No parent should have to take to the streets to make this point. We need to get the basics right, and give every child a fair start.
“Minister McEntee must make a commitment to every parent of children with additional needs that the Department will guarantee access to suitable education for every child. We need to see a clear emphasis on tackling special education from this Minister so that we can turn the page and support parents properly.”